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Jacobs Architecture has revealed the first images of its Blackfriars Station and Blackfriars Railway Bridge redevelopment which is set to open in spring 2012

Part of a £5.5 billion strategy to increase capacity on the Thameslink railway the revamped station will span the length of Blackfriars Railway Bridge allowing platform access from both sides.

Recognising that the scheme connects London’s cultural quarter, the South Bank, to a mass transit system for the first time Blackfriars station could be renamed ‘Blackfriars and Bankside’, but rail chiefs’ ears remain open to further suggestions.

Simon Hughes, MP for the area, said: ‘This is a golden opportunity to ensure that the name of the station highlights the direct access to attractions like the Globe, Tate Modern and the many new businesses and residential developments in the area.’

Caroline Pidgeon, leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, said: ‘Without question this name change could be a huge boost to businesses and the other many attractions around Bankside, as well as local residents who are proud to live in the bankside area.’

A Network Rail spokesperson confirmed the possibility of re-naming the station but said however: ‘This process is in its infancy and we still need to discuss with local stakeholders, such as the council, key businesses and the train operating companies, how this might occur.’

The station will close to passengers from 20 November until 17 January 2011 while engineers will move the tracks from the west to the east side of the bridge.

The project’s final phase will start in 2012 following the redevelopment of London Bridge station to allow the running of up to 24 trains per hour in each direction.

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